Everglide Lightning Silver V3 vs. KTT Orange
An in-depth look at the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 and the KTT Orange switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 and the KTT Orange mechanical keyboard switches, there are some key differences to consider. The Lightning Silver V3 is revered for its clacky and high-pitched sound signature, providing a unique typing experience that is both smooth and seamless. On the other hand, the KTT Orange switches boast a bouncy feel with a low-pitched sound profile, thanks to its innovative design featuring a milky top housing and a factory-lubed mechanism for enhanced smoothness. While both switches offer their own advantages, such as vibrant RGB illumination for the Lightning Silver V3 and a slick, frictionless typing experience for the KTT Orange, it ultimately comes down to personal preference. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
48g
Actuation force
46g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
53g
Pre-travel
1.50 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Lengthened gold-plated spring
Spring
22mm gold-plated spring
Housing materials
Both the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 and the KTT Orange share similarities in their use of polycarbonate material for both the top and bottom housing of the switches. This material choice results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to polycarbonate's stiffness leading to clearer and more resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches with RGB lighting, as it allows the light to shine through. Therefore, both switches provide a similar auditory and visual experience for users looking for a distinct sound profile and customizable lighting options.
Although both switches utilize polycarbonate for their housing materials, they may differ in terms of design and aesthetics. The Everglide Lightning Silver V3 and KTT Orange may have unique designs or color schemes that cater to different preferences of users. While both switches offer the benefits of polycarbonate for sound quality and RGB lighting compatibility, the overall look and feel of each switch may appeal to different individuals based on their personal tastes and preferences. This difference in design and aesthetics can influence a user's decision when choosing between the two switches.
One key difference to consider between the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 and the KTT Orange is how the qualities of the housing materials are distributed between the top and bottom housing of the switches. The bottom housing is said to have more impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when the switch is pressed down, while the top housing plays a larger role in the sound when the key is released. This distribution of qualities can result in a unique typing experience for each switch, as the combination of top and bottom housing materials can affect the overall sound and feel of typing on the keyboard.
Weight
The Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch has a slightly heavier actuation force of 48 grams compared to the KTT Orange linear switch's 46 grams, making it slightly more resistant to accidental keystrokes. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Lightning Silver V3 requires 60 grams to fully press down, while the KTT Orange only needs 53 grams. This makes the KTT Orange switch a lighter option overall, providing a smoother and easier typing experience for those who prefer less resistance. Both switches fall into the medium to medium-light range in terms of force required, so users can expect similar results in terms of typing experience and tactile feedback. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference for actuation and bottom out force levels.
Travel distance
The Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the KTT Orange linear switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.5 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances that are popular for gaming due to their faster response times. If you prefer a more responsive feel, the Lightning Silver V3 may be the better choice for you. However, if you enjoy a slightly deeper key press, the KTT Orange switch might be more to your liking. Overall, both switches offer a similar experience with only a slight difference in travel distance, so you can expect comparable results from either option.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Everglide Lightning Silver V3 has an MSRP of $5.55 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Lightning Silver V3 for $4.10.
The KTT Orange has an MSRP of $5.55 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Orange for $4.15.
Here at Milktooth, we offer the best prices on switches (on average, 27% lower the competition). In addition, we offer free shipping on orders over $49.00. We also offer free returns and exchanges, so you can shop with guaranteed satisfaction.
That said, while price is an important piece of the puzzle, our opinion is that you should ultimately pick the option that most suits your unique preferences since you’ll be using these switches for years to come. In other words, finding something perfect for you is, in our view, the most important criteria.
Typing experience
In terms of sound, the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 offers a clacky and high-pitched sound profile that is sharp, crisp, and percussive when pressed. This sound signature can add a lively and energetic feel to typing sessions. On the other hand, the KTT Orange switch provides a low-pitched sound that is more bass-heavy and mellow in comparison. Both switches offer distinct auditory experiences, and the choice between them would depend on personal preference for sound characteristics.
Moving on to the feel, the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 is known for its silky typing experience, offering smooth key presses with minimal resistance. This enhanced smoothness can contribute to a comfortable and seamless typing session. In contrast, the KTT Orange switch provides a bouncy and frictionless typing experience, giving a spring-like feedback sensation with effortless key presses. Both switches prioritize smoothness in their design, aiming to minimize friction and maximize comfort during extended typing sessions.
Overall, the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 and KTT Orange switches offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Lightning Silver V3 excels in providing a clacky and high-pitched sound with a silky typing experience, while the KTT Orange switch offers a low-pitched sound with bouncy and frictionless key presses. Depending on individual preferences for sound profile and typing feel, either switch can deliver a satisfying mechanical keyboard experience. With their focus on smoothness and distinct characteristics, users can expect similar results in terms of overall typing performance regardless of their choice between the two switches.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you prefer a clacky and high-pitched sound profile with a silky typing experience, the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 switch would be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you enjoy a low-pitched sound profile with a bouncy and frictionless typing experience, the KTT Orange switch would be more suitable for your preferences. Consider your sound and feel preferences when selecting between these two switches to ensure you have the best typing experience possible. Ultimately, the decision comes down to your personal preferences and typing style.
Mentioned in this article
